Hi....did anyone have to have a drain placed after the gastric sleeve?

I had a drain in for two weeks after surgery. My surgeon was absolutely adamant about it and said not to even think about asking him to remove it prior to 2 weeks. He said it could save my life if there was a leak. It collected about a tablespoon of Fluid everyday, looked like urine towards the end of the 2 weeks. It was a pain when I was sleeping but I would tape the collection bulbs to my stomach when I'd go to bed and they moved with me. The drain incision was above my waist so I could just tuck the bulbs in my pocket if I went out. It was definitely a pain but I trusted my doctor and didn't complain...much.

Hi! Just had surgery 3 days ago... They put in a drain.... Took it out when I was released... That was easy!!!

I had a drain for 5 days and felt it was the most painful part of the procedure. my skin started to heal over the stitched and I swear, it was about 2 feel long in there!! weirdest feeling ever!!!!

Nope. No cath either.

I believe the drain I had saved me some bigger problems. I passed the leak test, but was draining too much for their comfort and it was bright red, so I was bleeding in my abdominal cavity. The drain let them see that before my bloodwork showed any loss, and also let them see that the issue resolved after they went in again. I ended up with mine for two weeks, hated it but think it saved me being readmitted.

My advice would be trust your doctor, let go of this fear, and worry about important things like having to share a hospital room with crazy people.

I believe the drain I had saved me some bigger problems. I passed the leak test, but was draining too much for their comfort and it was bright red, so I was bleeding in my abdominal cavity. The drain let them see that before my bloodwork showed any loss, and also let them see that the issue resolved after they went in again. I ended up with mine for two weeks, hated it but think it saved me being readmitted.

My advice would be trust your doctor, let go of this fear, and worry about important things like having to share a hospital room with crazy people.

Thank you @@tracywag

blessedx2

I totally freaked out about the drain too. My Dr. used one, but took it out the next day. He said it's not only for collecting Fluid, but can also show signs of a leak.

The drain definitely does NOT hurt coming out- it's just a really weird sensation, and it's over once it's out. They didn't put any stitches of glue on it, just covered it with gauze. I took the gauze off a few days later, and it's completely healed up- just a little scabbing.

Thank you aleeveplease

blessedx2

Hi. I had a drain. The Dr. Told me it was a Dr' s preference whether to use a drain or not. My Dr. believes (amoung other things) it helps with a faster recovery. I know the drain was extremely painful for me because it overfilled once. Some people have no issues, I was not one of those people. It hurt like HE-double hockey sticks when they removed mine. The doctor was lucky he didn't warn me first before he yanked it out. My reflex would have been to smack him if he was closer...luckily he moved. I had the drain removed after a week, I felt 99% better once it was out. I've had no issues at all in recovery.

yep. It isn't that bad. It hurts like 3R#OFM$I when they remove it. This is what it looks like.

Oh and when I say hurts it is a weird feeling that lasts a whole 30 seconds. So it isn't that bad.

yep. It isn't that bad. It hurts like 3R#OFM$I when they remove it. This is what it looks like.

Thank you for the info it looks painful:(

blessedx2

During the surgery they placed a drain line that I kep while in the hospital. It was removed the day of discharge. So basically I had the drain for 2 days. The drain site is no larger than any of the other surgery scars I have. They are going away in time as I'm only 9 wks out

During the surgery they placed a drain line that I kep while in the hospital. It was removed the day of discharge. So basically I had the drain for 2 days. The drain site is no larger than any of the other surgery scars I have. They are going away in time as I'm only 9 wks out

Thank you for the info:)

blessedx2

Hi. I had a drain. The Dr. Told me it was a Dr' s preference whether to use a drain or not. My Dr. believes (amoung other things) it helps with a faster recovery. I know the drain was extremely painful for me because it overfilled once. Some people have no issues, I was not one of those people. It hurt like HE-double hockey sticks when they removed mine. The doctor was lucky he didn't warn me first before he yanked it out. My reflex would have been to smack him if he was closer...luckily he moved. I had the drain removed after a week, I felt 99% better once it was out. I've had no issues at all in recovery.

Thank you for the info:)

blessedx2

I had mine done on 12/19/14 and my wife had hers on 12/26/14. Our surgeon does them on everyone. Just a way to drain the fuild that builds up after surgery and to keep an eye out for any signs of leaks or infection. Niether of us had a problem with the JP drain. Only nuisance to me was having to keep asking the nurse for a safety pin to keep it up for when i went walking or to the bathroom.

It did not hurt coming out, but i prepared for it. Not sure the rules in the hospital that you are going to, but mine would not release you for an hour after receiving pain meds. Sooo, i timed it right and got some before they did all that. Also for the ride home, roads here are a bit bumpy.

You will do great!!